Although the United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA)
had attended the July conference led by the United Nationalities Federal
Council (UNFC), it should not be supposed that it is ready to become a
member of the alliance, according to an informed source close to the
group.

Ta Lone (Photo: UWSA)

“That
goes for the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) of Sao Sai Leun
too,” he added. “Only the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army
(MNDAA) of Peng Jiasheng has agreed to join it.”

A delegation from the grouping is currently visiting Panghsang, where
the Wa headquarters is located. He refused to identify the names of the
delegates.

Li Julie aka U Aung Myint (Photo: UWSA)

All
three groups had sent delegates to attend the UNFC led Ethnic
Conference for Peace and Reconciliation, 29-31 July, in Chiangmai. Xiao
Hsarm Khun, the Wa delegate, then told SHAN he was there to learn and
build rapport with other “fraternal organizations.”

Both the UWSA and NDAA have maintained their fragile truce with
Naypyitaw for 24 years. As for the ceasefire with MNDAA, better known as
Kokang, it broke down when Kokang was invaded and occupied in 2009.

Zhao Guo-an (Photo: UWSA)

Hkun
Okker, UNFC’s Joint Secretary #2, however, says the alliance was only
trying to win over the 3 groups to join the UNFC led political
negotiation team to parley with the government.

Speaking on yesterday’s meeting with Thura Shwe Mann, Speaker of the
Union Assembly (Pyidaungzu Hluttaw) in Kengtung, the source commented it
was a visit to cultivate relations with the UWSA and NDAA.
“He has already declared himself a candidate for the next
presidency,” he said. “The meeting therefore was useful also for the Wa
and Mongla (NDAA headquarters).”